Despite all the talk about cannabis retail in the news, it can be difficult to tell exactly when and where it’s possible for businesses to apply for a cannabis retail license. Here are a few jurisdictions where applications for cannabis retail are either currently open or planned to open in the near future.
Riverside County
Per the county planning department, Riverside is planning to give out a maximum of 19 retail licenses. While no date is currently set, the proposal process is scheduled to begin later this year.
Santa Barbara County
County is currently accepting cannabis permit applications. Storefront retail permits are limited to eight countywide, with no more than two in any supervisorial district.
Cathedral City
Applications for retail businesses are currently open, with an application form available on the city website.
City of Chula Vista
The city’s application for cannabis businesses will open on January 14th and remain open until the 18th (for Storefront Retail, Non-Storefront Retail, and Cultivation businesses) and the 25th (for Manufacturing, Distribution, and Testing Laboratory businesses.)
City of Desert Hot Springs
Conditional use permits for cannabis activities, including Cannabis Sale Facilities, are available on the city’s website.
City of Goleta
Goleta is currently accepting applications for up to 15 total storefront retail businesses.
City of Jurupa Valley
Jurupa Valley will accept priority applications for cannabis retail from January 22nd to February 6th, with non-priority applications opening on April 1st. The number of retail businesses permitted will be linked to the city’s population, with 1 license given for every 15,000 residents. This currently means that the number of licenses given will be capped at 7.
City of Lompoc
Lompoc is currently accepting cannabis retail license applications.
City of Moreno Valley
In December, the city raised its cap on dispensary licenses from 8 to 23. In addition to admitting qualified applicants from the last round of applications, the city will make proposal forms for new applicantsavailable online.
City of Pasadena
The city will license up to 6 retail establishments. The permit application process is open on the city websitethrough January 31st.
City of San Diego
The city is currently accepting applications for cannabis outlets with retail sales, up to a limit of four businesses per council district.
City of San Luis Obispo
Applications for 3 storefront retail businesses and an indefinite number of delivery-only retail businesses are open on the city website through January 29th.
City of Vista
Per the ordinance released in December, the city will be granting 3 delivery-only (non-storefront) retail licenses this year.
